New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-07
THE GOLDEN CALF.

hes the lnCdrndtfon VI ioV
~Is he SO very rich?"
~Roliing in money-might buy up half the city,
they say"
q bad looking man." murmured the Countess To-
cussng the gentleman under discussion with q
very effective double eye-glass
"Gera dine, my love, that is Mr.. Optimus Codd
over there in the doorway"
The beautiful Geraldine turned very naughty
head and gave a scornful little laugh.
And who, pray mamma, is MIR. Optimus
Coddp"
The young man standing between the two ladies
looked steadily at the beautiful young lady In
diaphanous white tulle, saying
"IIe is the Golden Calf of this year, Lady
Geraldine. You will soon know him by sight.
He is making his mark in society. He has asked
to be presented to you. Lady Umfreville, have
I your permission?"
The Countess smiled a gracious consent on Mr..
Rupert Paulet She at once absolved this PEN
niless detrimental who had been hanging about
her sacrfcal lamb too closely of late, for his past
offences. 1t was such very desirable matter TO
get hold of this millionaire stocSbroker at an
early part of his career.
Mr. Optimus Codd in his own sphere was
man of mark People in the City pointed at him
respectfully rs the possessor of untold wealth; but
IL had only recently entered the mind Of this enter
prising operator TO make an effort to enter fash
ionab BILE society. This great man-for he WAS very
that are always going up and down in the City,
had recently purchased house in Mayfair, where
he gave most recherche banquets lie had also
contrived to be elected to two three good clubs
In consequence society was making inquiries about
him, and using every endcaNor to substantlate the
rumors of his enormous wealth. Doors could not
be shut upon an absolute Cr9sus. In exterior the
gentleman who was the object of so many atten-
tons was not at all prepossessing, in spite Of Lady
Umfrevillss charitable verdict He had good
natured, fat face, with salient features, and
reddish hair Of a refractory nature His small
gray eyes had, however at times singularly keen
and acute regard. Such eyes might fathom a
good deal of humbug He dressed well and wore no
jewelry, bearing the manner and voice of gentle
man. His discretion showed itself in nothing more
than in his ability to keep silence about himself
and others.
When Mr.. Codd slowly made his way across the
ballroom toward the striking group near the con-
servatory he was the object of many regards Az
ter the Honorable Rupert had presented his friend
in due form to the stately countess and her lovely
daughter, he remained few minutes in CONVEX
sation with the party, finally offering his arm to
convey her ladyship to supper. She gave an anx-
ious backward look toward Lady Geraldine and
the handsome young man left near her. 1t was
Unavoidable the only thing to be done was to put
her wits together and make the most of the pres
ent opportunity.
You have a box at the opera, believe Mr.
first night
This was an audacious opening, but the coun-
tess being poor and widow. never hinched before
an attempt of this sort 1t was her duty to make
Use of rich acquaintance.
Il shall be delighted if you will accept my
box for that evening" was the natural rclondcr
from one unused to impccunous countesses.
Lady Umfrevile went away smiling that even
ING and thankfully felt that her labor and Geral-
dimes new dress had not been in vain.
Within a week, Mr.. Optimus Gold had been IN
yjted to partal1e of various small-very small
forms OF hospitality at Prince's-gate. Little
teas and light luncheons might bring young people
together quite as advantagcously as more costly
entertainments. Her ladyship was asilllcd match
maker Two daughters had already been disposed
of in their fist season But this was now Lazy
GeraIlincs second year in the market. She was
certainly more difficult to manage than the docile
elder sist, rs had been. Still, Lady CmireVile
did not despair OF settling her this season. june
had only just begun. There was fourth girl com
ing In shortly. Lady Margaret was still in the
schooroom, though fully entitled TO be emancpat-
ed and she spirited young lady who might
be more difficult to control than ali her predeces-
sors.
"What is he like, Jerry? I mean the city man
that every one is talking about. know mamma
thinks you have captivated him. You might bring
him up TO the schoOlroom for my Inspection some
day Pretend you want to show him your draw
ings.
Il should like to see a stock broker His name
has very fsh-ike smell. Fancy being Lady Ger
aldine Coddl Does he look like a gentleman?
Don't you think you had better turn him Owe TO
me- Jerry?
Here the lively Lady Margaret began dancing
about the room. ashanti have fine time cf it
when / come outl l mean to make up for being
kept back year. You Sc you must he out Of the
way, Jerry. You are so very good-looking.o
Lady Geraldine answered smiling: DO be
all MIR
Optimus Cold. Well he's rather fat, and not got
any particular expression, but think he's very
good -natured. really think like him, and If"
A lovely blush rose to her face.
IF you hadn't fallen in love with some one
else and if you were quite sure MIR. Optlmus
Codd didn't want to marry you. Don't you be the
least bit gracious to him or hell say you gave
him encouragement They always do If you are
polite. But, Geraldine advise you to give up
Reggie Paulet. He has got next TO nothing, and
you can't marry on love-"
Lady Geraldine tossed up her pretty head.
you mind your own business, Maggie. You're
very disagreeable, and | shant tell you anything
more about any one l meet"
In due course of time Mr.. COdd did come to the
schoolroOm to inspect Geraidine's drawings Lady
Margaret and an antiquatcd German goverheSs
reading aloud.
Il hope we are not intcrrupting Mr. C1dd
is very anxious to see my sketches, fraui'in'
This is my sister, Mr. Codd."
"IIow do you do, Mr.. Codd. 1t is very kind
of YOU TO come up here Geraldine has told lie
all about you. You have sdch lovely house
and beautiful pictures and such nice things to
eat | an not out or i should like to come
an. SC ~ all
Mr. Codd murmurcd something vague about
next year.
Jerry is very kind TO me, you know, though
she will not make haste and get married. III
want particularly to see any of her admrers-you
do admire her,of course, you would not come SO
often-she always manages TO bring them upstairs.
Now Rupert Paulet and are great friends-isn't
he a dear boy? And Lord Strathnelan was
very nice. too, till Geraldine refused him and he
went off TO America, and has been shooting bears
ever since. You know / mustn't come downstairs
10 the drawingroom or be inspected by any young